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Survival of an Enveloped Virus on Toys
Richard L Bearden1, Lisa M Casanova
1From the *Department of Biology and †Division of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia.
Abstract:
Children's toys may carry respiratory viruses. Inactivation of a lipid-enveloped bacteriophage, Φ6, was measured on a nonporous toy at indoor temperature and relative humidity (RH). Inactivation was approximately 2log10 after 24 hours at 60% RH and 6.8log10 at 10 hours at 40% RH. Enveloped viruses can potentially survive on toys long enough to result in exposures.
Insights
Respiratory viruses can survive on children
Area of Science:
- Environmental microbiology
- Virology
- Public health
Background:
- Children's toys can harbor respiratory viruses.
- Understanding virus survival on toys is crucial for infection control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the inactivation rate of a surrogate virus on a nonporous toy surface.
- To assess the impact of relative humidity on virus inactivation.
Main Methods:
- A lipid-enveloped bacteriophage (Φ6) was used as a surrogate for respiratory viruses.
- Inactivation was measured on a nonporous toy surface under controlled indoor temperature and relative humidity conditions.
Main Results:
- Approximately 2log10 viral inactivation occurred after 24 hours at 60% relative humidity.
- A higher inactivation rate (6.8log10) was observed within 10 hours at 40% relative humidity.
Conclusions:
- Enveloped viruses can persist on toys for extended periods.
- Relative humidity significantly influences the survival time of viruses on toy surfaces, posing potential exposure risks.
